How it all began...
Every meaningful change begins with one person who dares to believe that things can be different.
For Veliswa, a teacher and lifelong member of the Nemato community in Port Alfred, that dream was clear: to create a safe place where children could go after school—a place where they would be supported, encouraged, and given opportunities that many of them would otherwise never have.
Having witnessed the challenges children face every day, she knew that education alone was not enough. They needed care. Stability. Someone who believed in them.
What started in her own home with just five children soon became much more than an idea.
When Two Visions Became One
In 2023, Veliswa met Isabel, a young woman from Germany who immediately recognised the incredible potential behind Veliswa's vision.
What began as a chance encounter quickly turned into a shared mission.
Together, they founded the Siyaphumelela After School Care Centre as a registered non-profit organisation and committed themselves to building something that would create lasting change for children and the wider community.
Over the past three years, they have overcome countless challenges, celebrated many milestones, and never lost sight of the dream they share.
Today, that dream has become reality.
Growing Together
What once started with just five children has grown into a vibrant community where around 50 children, from Grade 1 to Grade 9, come every afternoon.
Thanks to the generosity of donors from around the world and the dedication of the local community, a permanent building with classrooms has been constructed, creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, grow, and belong.
The day we received the NPO Certificate
Every day, the children receive homework support from a committed local team of educators. Older and younger learners encourage one another, creating a culture where children grow together instead of competing against each other.
Special emphasis is placed on English, literacy and maths, opening doors to future educational and professional opportunities. Reading also plays a central role, as many children grow up in homes where books are scarce and reading is not yet part of everyday life.
More Than Education
Although academic support is at the heart of Siyaphumelela, the centre is about so much more.
Many children arrive hungry after school. Whenever possible, every child receives a warm meal, because learning is difficult on an empty stomach.
Children are encouraged to discover their talents through arts, crafts, music, and creative activities. Weekly tennis lessons promote confidence, teamwork, discipline, and healthy development.
Most importantly, Siyaphumelela is a place where children feel safe.
Many come from challenging family circumstances, and it is not uncommon for them to ask if they can stay longer—or even spend the night—simply because they feel loved, protected, and at home.
Help Us Build the Next Chapter
Siyaphumelela has already come a long way.
Every week, around 50 children come to the centre six days a week.
But there are still many more children in the community who need a safe place like Siyaphumelela.
To welcome them, we urgently need to expand our building, construct proper sanitation facilities, and build a fully equipped kitchen to prepare nutritious meals every day.
With your support, we can continue growing—one child, one classroom, one meal, and one dream at a time.
Become part of the journey.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, partner with us, or share our story,
You become part of creating lasting change for the children of Siyaphumelela.
We're not just building classrooms. Together we're building confident children, stronger communities, and brighter futures.